2.2.2. Physical activity

During the NHANES household interview, self‐reported data on physical activity was collected directly by trained staff using the Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ), a validated questionnaire that provides respondent‐level interview data on physical activities and sedentary behaviors. As part of the survey, adults reported the amount of time (in minutes) that they engaged in moderate‐intensity and vigorous‐intensity sports, fitness and recreational activities, and the number of days they engaged in these activities each week. Physical activity was then categorized using the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans ¹⁸ recommendations for physical activity: adults who met the recommended physical activity (achieved at least 150 min of moderate‐intensity or 75 min of vigorous‐intensity physical activity each week) were considered to have “healthy physical activity.”